President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo as South Africa’s new Chief Justice.

Zondo takes over the reins after Mogoeng Mogoeng’s term ended in October last year.

The Presidency says the decision to appoint Zondo as the next Chief Justice followed consultations with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), and leaders of parties in the National Assembly on the four nominees for the post.

The JSC initially recommended Justice Mandisa Maya for the top post. However, she has been appointed as Deputy Chief Justice.